As advancements in drone technology and autonomous systems continue to accelerate, the upcoming Xponential Europe exhibition in Düsseldorf promises to showcase a diverse array of unmanned vehicles and solutions. Scheduled for late March 2026, this event highlights the rapid development of drones and other automated devices, which have develop into increasingly significant, especially in light of recent geopolitical events.
Wolfram N. Diener, the head of the exhibition, emphasizes the growing importance of drones not only in military applications but also in civilian contexts, stating, “Xponential Europe is a high-tech fair for autonomous systems, including drones. Their significance has increased, particularly due to the Ukraine conflict.” As the technology matures, the exhibition aims to present the latest innovations in both sectors.
Whereas fully autonomous systems that can independently develop decisions and communicate with each other remain a future aspiration, current technologies are advancing rapidly. Most existing solutions are highly automated and utilize teleoperation capabilities, allowing them to operate in unfamiliar environments.
Focus on Defense and Civilian Applications
Diener notes that within the drone sector, there are numerous civilian applications beyond defense. He highlights the significant growth of the defense application area, which is currently the most dynamic segment of the industry. The exhibition will feature three of Germany’s largest defense technology companies: KNDS, Diehl Defence and Rheinmetall, which will showcase their latest innovations aimed at addressing both civilian and military needs.
Rheinmetall’s Dual-Use Strategies
Rheinmetall, a key player in the exhibition, is focusing on dual-use technologies that apply to both civilian and military applications. Klaus Kappen, the Chief Technology Officer at Rheinmetall, explains that the company has been developing its own drones while also working on solutions to counter drone threats. “The complete protection of vehicles, troops, facilities, and critical infrastructure is part of our technology and portfolio developments,” he states, elaborating on their “Layered Drone Defence” systems.
This defense system ranges from extensive solutions like the SkyRanger, comparable to traditional air defense, to smaller systems designed for self-protection against nearby drone threats. Rheinmetall is developing active protection systems that offer 360-degree coverage against remotely controlled first-person view (FPV) drones, which have been observed in conflict zones like Ukraine.
Teleoperation and Automation Trends
Rheinmetall’s subsidiary, Mira GmbH, is also exploring teleoperated driving solutions that can be applied in both civilian and military contexts. Kappen emphasizes the need for automation across both sectors to alleviate personnel shortages. He notes that while automated systems cannot handle every situation independently, they can significantly reduce the workload on human operators, a concept referred to as “Human-Supervised Autonomy.”
Examples of this technology include remotely controlled buses and the use of teleoperation in logistics, where unmanned vehicles follow a lead truck. This approach allows for complex tasks to be executed without requiring full automation in every environment.
Emerging Collaborative Robots
Rheinmetall has also recently ventured into developing collaborative robots, or “cobots,” aimed at facilitating operations in unstructured environments such as military and emergency services. The start-up Yardstick has been established to expedite the delivery of robotic solutions tailored for these sectors. Kappen highlighted that these robots could assist with tasks like ammunition handling, thus improving safety and efficiency for personnel involved in hazardous activities.
Rheinmetall’s commitment to developing its robotic systems using German or European suppliers aims to reduce reliance on foreign manufacturers and ensure a stable supply chain, particularly in light of geopolitical tensions affecting the defense industry.
Political Interest and Cybersecurity Focus
Growing interest from political circles has further emphasized the importance of protecting critical infrastructure and promoting inter-operable applications between various military branches and civilian sectors. The exhibition will also feature a dedicated cybersecurity program, highlighting the increasing relevance of cybersecurity in the context of unmanned systems and defense technologies.
The three-day conference will include a day hosted by the Bundeswehr, supported by Diehl Defence, underscoring the collaborative efforts between industry and government in enhancing national security capabilities.
Looking Ahead: Competition and Market Dynamics
As the Xponential Europe exhibition prepares to open its doors, it faces competition from other defense exhibitions such as DSEI Germany. Despite a high demand for defense technologies, established foreign players dominate the market, which is characterized by fragmentation across different military branches. Diener notes the strategic decision to focus on the core strengths of Xponential Europe, particularly in unmanned systems, to leverage its unique position in the industry.
As the exhibition approaches, the spotlight will be on how these advancements in drone technology and autonomous systems will shape both military and civilian applications in the years to arrive. Attendees are encouraged to engage with the latest innovations and to share insights on the future of unmanned technologies.
